Abstract: This sermon explores the foot of the cross as potentially meaningful place for building new communities across traditional boundaries of division. Out of the trauma of execution, new life can emerge in the building of movements. Paul and Jesus are reclaimed in the text of Romans 3, which has been weighted by centuries of interpretation, particularly the Protestant doctrine of justification by faith first articulated by Martin Luther and atonement theory. The ministry and crucifixion of Jesus, and the ministry and assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are used as examples.

Abstract: This sermon retells part of Ron Casanova's story as a leader in the National Union of the Homeless (NUH), particularly through his first organizing efforts at Tompkins Square Park in New York City. Slogans from the NUH are explored in dialogue with themes from Psalm 9, challenging the traditional dichotomy between what is considered "sacred" and "secular." The history of struggle in Tompkins Square Park is connected with contemporary struggles of those in poverty in the current economic crisis. The call to "tell our story" is to claim both a history of struggle and the contemporary imperative to do justice. This call is made in this sermon through parallels among the biblical text, historical and contemporary struggles.

Theologies of Ministry - An Interview with Liz Theoharis. As a part of a "theologies of ministry" project for her field education class at Union Theological Seminary, Poverty Initiative Fellow Crystal Hall interviewed the coordinator of the Poverty Initiative, Liz Theoharis. This interview explores a number of biblical and theological themes, particularly as they relate to poor people's organizing and the ministry of ending poverty.